BIRDING SITES
01. Willamette Heights
02. Dorris Ranch
03. Jasper Pond
04. Clearwater Park
05. Volunteer Park
06. Wyatt Meadows
07. Jasper Meadows
08. Walterville Pond
09. Bob Artz Park
10. Wallace Ruff Park
11. Lively Park
12. EWEB Bike Path
13. Harvest Landing
14. Corporate Way
15. Guy Lee Park
16. By-Gully Path
17. Kelly Butte
18. Eastgate
19. West D Greenway
20. Island Park
21. Millrace Park
Photo Credits
Unless otherwise noted, all bird photographs courtesy of Greg Gillson thebirdguide.com.
Birding Trail Site #17
Kelly Butte
937 Summit Blvd.
Great views of the city! And birds, too.
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Shown above: Townsend's Warbler and Winter Wren
Facts
• A 6-acre hilltop park with nearly 360º views
• Paved parking area with an overlook
• No restrooms
• Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Habitat
The tops of second growth Douglas-firs are viewed along the east boundary of the park. You can walk north along the west side of the Springfield Utility Board water storage tank and follow a path going down the ridge to the north. The park continues down the ridge to the north to a locked gate. This north portion has bigleaf maple and young Douglas-fir canopy with osoberry, blackberry, and hawthorn understory.
Birding Highlights
Spring migration of warblers is good at this location. Vaux’s Swift and Violet-green Swallows circle overhead on early summer mornings. Other sightings include Western Wood-Pewee, Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cedar Waxwing, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Wilson’s, Townsend’s, Orange-crowned and Black-throated Gray Warblers, Song Sparrow, and Spotted Towhee.
Other Attractions
There are terrific views of Springfield, much of Eugene, and the Three Sisters to the east on a clear day. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset or enjoy evening views of the city.
Getting There
The park is located at 937 Summit Blvd. From downtown Springfield, drive north on Mill Street. Turn left on D Street. In about three blocks, turn right on Riverview Blvd. Watch for Summit Blvd and turn right again. The entrance to the paved parking area is on your right as you continue on Summit Blvd. about 1000’ farther up the hill.
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